Standardization News

A new ASTM International standard provides a more detailed and complete description of a test protocol that has been used for more than 40 years in code requirements and specifications for fire-retardant-treated wood. The test is now also used in some codes for building products that are not wood.

The new standard, E2768, Test Method for Extended Duration Surface Burning Characteristics of Building Materials (30 Min. Tunnel Test), was developed by Subcommittee E05.22 on Surface Burning, part of ASTM International Committee E05 on Fire Standards.

According to Robert H. White, Ph.D., a scientist with the Forest Products Laboratory, the procedure described in E2768 is often described in building codes and specifications as a "30 minute ASTM E84 test." However, the duration of the procedure described in E84, Test Method for Surface Burning Characteristics of Building Materials, is for ten minutes and there is no reference to a 30 minute test option.

"In providing a detailed and complete description of the protocol, E2768 provides users of the test reports a better understanding of some of the intricacies of the protocol and the reporting of the results," says White. "It will allow the regulatory language to simply be a reference to the standard. It allows test laboratories to make reference to E2768 in their test reports and be able to clearly state whether the product met the performance criteria of the standard."

E2768 will be used in a variety of ways by:

To purchase ASTM standards, visit www.astm.org and search by the standard designation number or contact ASTM Customer Relations (phone: 610-832-9585).

CONTACT Technical Information: Robert H. White, Ph.D., Forest Products Laboratory • Madison, Wis. • Phone: 608-231-9265 O ASTM Staff: Thomas O'Toole • Phone: 610-832-9739 O Upcoming Meeting: Dec. 4-7 • December Committee Week • Tampa, Fla.